Studying in Queensland

AUSTRALIA

Make the
right decision
Primary or secondary
school studies
Important information to help you make the right
decision about choosing Queensland, Australia for
your primary or secondary school studies.

Contents
Why Queensland, Australia?...................................................... 3
Support services and orientation for students studying
in Queensland............................................................................ 4
Why should families choose Queensland for
primary or secondary school education? .................................. 6
Education Queensland International (EQI) ................................ 8
Independent schools ............................................................... 10
Catholic schools....................................................................... 12
Queenslands school structure ............................................... 13

Copyright: The State of Queensland 2014. Copyright protects this material. Enquiries should be addressed to copyright@treasury.qld.gov.au
Disclaimer: The information presented in this booklet is distributed by the Queensland Government as an information source only. The State of Queensland makes no statements, representations,
or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of, and you should not rely on, any information contained in this publication.
The Queensland Government disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur as a result
of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason.
Any reference to any specific organisation, product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by the State of Queensland.
2 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies

I have been in Australia for almost three months and

those months have been the best three of my life. It
is a little hard to be far from your country, your family,
friends and girlfriend but this is a unique experience that
I am enjoying so much.

Why Queensland,
Australia?
Because it will give you the
opportunity of a lifetime while
studying in world-class schools.
The Queensland Government understands that
students want world-class education, the flexibility to
choose the right course from a comprehensive range
of options and to study in an enjoyable, diverse, safe
and vibrant community.
Choosing Queensland for your study requirements has
many attractive benefits:
PhD students and 576 visa holders may be eligible
for free schooling depending on the Queensland
public school and their circumstances.
International students enrolled in full time
accredited courses may be entitled to local
transport concessions.
Queensland is a leader in research and has major
research centres in mining and energy, health and
medical, environment and nature, food and
a
 griculture, multimedia, defence, aviation, and
space as well as manufacturing and design.
Queensland is the only state with four international
airports (Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Gold
Coast) which makes travel to and from your home
country easier and more accessible.
Queensland has an enviable climate and lifestyle,
with most of the state receiving warm and sunny
weather for most of the year.

I have met people from France, Paraguay, Columbia,

Germany, Per, Chile, Thailand, Japan and China. It is
amazing how many students from many different places
interact between each other.
Andrs from Mexico
Indooroopilly State High School
https://eqi.com.au/apps/school/indooroopilly-shs.html

Queensland has five of Australias 11 World

Heritage sites and is home to many famous
landmarks including the natural wonders of The
Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and
many tropical and idyllic islands, such as the World
Heritage listed Fraser Island (the worlds largest
sand island) and more than 200 national parks
Queensland can offer you a strong economy, a high
standard of living, relaxed outdoor lifestyle and
excellent work experience opportunities.
International students and their families and friends will
easily see why Queensland is one of Australias most
attractive places to study and visit.
I enrolled at Caloundra City Private School at the end of
November 2011. Fortunately, since my host parents and
teachers showed such great care and encouragement
to support me studying, playing hockey, singing, playing
guitar and many more activities, I was lucky enough not
to get homesick at all.
Going to a secondary school here is such an advantage
for me to understand the culture, peoples thoughts
and the education system. I intend to go to university
here and am delighted to be able to have an education
in such a fortunate environment. I would like to express
my appreciation to my host family, teachers and friends,
who supported me.
Bino Hasagawa from Japan
Caloundra City Private School
www.ccps.qld.edu.au
Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies | 3

Support services
and orientation for students
studying in Queensland
Most Queensland education providers and institutions
may offer international students a variety of support
services to help adjust to life in Australia including:
airport reception
accommodation placement
orientation programs that provide very useful
information about courses, schools and living,
studying and working in Queensland
social and recreational activities
welfare advice and counselling
emergency and health services.
As an international student, English is often my
challenge when it comes to assessment submission.
Luckily, Concordia Lutheran College provides a wide
range of learning support programs to help me and
other students with English as their second language.
The learning support has been a great help and built up
my English skills through different grammar checking
and everyday conversation. With my passion for helping
people, investigating and solving different scenarios
and problems, I have decided to study Law as my Uni
course in order to build my future career as a lawyer.
Kit Yan (Phoebe)
Concordia Lutheran College
www.concordia.qld.edu.au

Whats it like to live in Queensland?

Lifestyle and environment
Queensland has modern, cosmopolitan cities and laid
back coastal and regional towns. It has a clean and
green natural environment. International students can
enjoy a fantastic climate and diverse leisure activities
in one of Australias most attractive places to live, work
and study. Queenslands tourist destinations are among
the most popular in Australia.

Tropical North Queensland

Cairns is a vibrant city located in the heart of Tropical
North Queensland. Framed by spectacular rainforest
mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea, Cairns
is within easy reach of the World Heritage listed
Wet Tropics Rainforest, The Great Barrier Reef and
the outback.
Townsville is Australias largest tropical beachside city
with a safe, friendly and welcoming lifestyle. Surrounded
by a rich hinterland of tropical rainforests and waterfalls,
Townsville is located close to historic gold mining
towns, the outback, islands and The Great Barrier Reef.
Central Queensland
Rockhampton is located in Central Queensland and was
built on the wealth of gold rushes and cattle empires.
A city steeped in country charm, Rockhampton has
regular rodeos, long stretches of sunburnt country,
beautiful forests and beaches.
South East Queensland
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and the third
largest city in Australia. Brisbane boasts the attractions
and facilities of a large city yet is considerably more
relaxed that its southern counterparts, Sydney and
Melbourne. A modern city with an innovative and
vibrant edge, Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate and
outdoor lifestyle.
Toowoomba is Australias largest inland regional
city and is an economic hub of the region. A modern
mountain city, Toowoomba is also known as
Queenslands Garden City. It boasts beautiful heritage
buildings and more than 150 parks and gardens. It
is also a treasure trove of tradition and culture with
growing arts, food and wine industries.

4 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies

Support services
and orientation for students
studying in Queensland
The Sunshine Coast

Accommodation Options

This area offers a laidback lifestyle in a small and safe

environment. Free of the hustle and bustle of the city,
the Sunshine Coast still offers world-class dining and
shopping. With clear blue skies, fresh clean air, bright
sunny days and long stretches of beautiful beaches,
the Sunshine Coast is a favourite holiday destination
for local and international visitors.

A wide selection of high quality and affordable options,

from renting to homestay accommodation, are available
for international students.
Homestay or boarding school accommodation are
the preferred accommodation options for students
under the age of 18. Homestay accommodation, where
students are usually provided their own room and most
meals, offers the chance to experience life as part of a
Queensland family, learn about Australian culture and
improve English language skills.

The Gold Coast

This area offers stunning beaches, a magnificent
hinterland, an abundance of action-packed activities,
first-class shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
The Gold Coast is a collection of cultures with close to
a quarter of its residents born overseas. This
multicultural society provides a safe and accepting
environment where people have an appreciation for
diverse cultures and lifestyles.

Is it easy to get around?

Although Queensland is a very large state, there is a
comprehensive transport network and motorway system
which allows international students to explore the state
and its attractions with relative ease.

I like Mountain Creek State High School very much, the

teachers, the students they are all nice and always try to
help you. They give support to you whenever you need it.
Sometimes there is lots of work to do, but at the end
you feel comfortable, brave and happy with the decision
that you took. I want to do International Relations after
I finish school and the IB Program, I really want to go to
England and get into Oxford University.
Janania from Brazil
Mountain Creek State High School
https://eqi.com.au/apps/school/mountain-creek-shs.html

Queensland has a vibrant, multicultural society

where other students, teaching staff and the
broader community readily accept and welcome
international students.

Queensland has four international airports (Brisbane,

Cairns, Townsville and the Gold Coast) and the many
regional and island airports serviced by multiple airlines
make air travel an efficient, reliable and affordable way
to explore the state.
Your safety, health and protection
The safety of international students is vitally important to
the Queensland Government and education providers.
Queensland is safe by world standards. It has a vibrant,
multicultural society where other students, teaching staff
and the broader community readily accept and welcome
international students. For many international students,
the friends they make while studying in Queensland is
one of the highlights of their education experience here.

Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies | 5

Why should families choose

Queensland for primary or
secondary school education?
The school system
Queensland schools offer students a wide choice of
subjects and extracurricular activities. With a reputation
for academic excellence, they deliver individualised
learning experiences, internationally recognised
qualifications and flexible pathways to further study.
Our schools provide quality education in a welcoming,
safe, supportive and nurturing environment to provide
the skills, values and knowledge students need for
lifelong learning. These skills will enhance opportunities
for young people in employment and their capacity to
successfully participate in society.
International students can choose from a variety of
short or longterm, individual or group programs ranging
in duration from three months (one school term) to five
years. Students can enrol in a state, independent or
Catholic school.
I arrived in Australia in June 2012 and I have enjoyed
being involved in the golf program at Robina State High
School. The golf program was a really good opportunity
for me to get to know students from Australia and
become friends with them.

Studying in Education Queenslands International

Student Program at Centenary State High School
in Brisbane, Korean student Alice has been able to
combine her academic and English language studies
as part of a Music Excellence Program at a Queensland
Government school.
A talented flautist, Alice arrived in Brisbane to begin
her Year 10 studies, allowing her a year to adjust to
Australian schooling and mainstream classes in
English before beginning her senior year.
In Year 12, Alice was invited to join the schools Music
Extension class. Before her Year 12 graduation in
November 2012, Alice auditioned for places in
Australian tertiary music courses.
She has already been made an advance offer to
study a music degree at the Queensland University
of Technology and currently awaits to hear whether
she has won a place at the prestigious Queensland
Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane.
Alice from Korea
Centenary State High School
https://eqi.com.au/apps/school/centenary-shs.html

Through my stay in the golf program, we played at

various golf courses like Palmer Gold Coast, Palmer
Colonial, Lakelands and Burleigh Golf Club. The Golf
program is a really good thing and I had a lot of fun!
Niclas from Germany
Robina State High School
https://eqi.com.au/apps/school/robina-shs.html

6 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies

Why should families choose

Queensland for primary or
secondary school education?
Im really enjoying studying here because after class
I can practice piano, not many schools provide this
opportunity, also I can study a different variety of
subjects.
After school I can go to beaches and the lagoon, the
food is really awesome here - I can eat food from
different countries. It also teaches me about lots of
different cultures.
The people here are really friendly and nice, and I
learn a lot of different things so I really enjoy staying
here in Cairns.
Hao from China
Cairns State High School
https://eqi.com.au/apps/school/cairns-shs.html

Ive been a student at SCOTS since the beginning of

the year. My father had been a student here for three
years and told me all about his fun times here. Now I
play rugby for school just like my dad did.
Im really happy to be at SCOTS because I have lots of
friends and I get to play footy in the afternoon with the
other boarders. Sometimes its hard leaving home, but
when I come back to SCOTS with friends. I settle in
very well.
Lachlan from Papua New Guinea
The SCOTS PGC College
www.scotspgc.qld.edu.au

Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies | 7

Education Queensland
International
State schools
Queensland Government schools provide students
with the best choice of study pathways, enabling
them to achieve their academic, career and personal
development goals in a supportive and healthy
environment. Education Queensland International (EQI)
is a dedicated team of professionals that specialise in
managing the needs of international students enrolled in
Queensland Government schools and of their families.
It is EQIs number one priority to provide international
students with the encouragement they need to
achieve their academic potential in a safe and high
quality learning environment. EQIs expertise has been
acknowledged nationally and internationally at education
and training awards such as the International Education
Awards for Excellence for best practice and innovation
in international education.
Academic Excellence and
Integrated University Pathways
90% of Queensland Government high school year
12 graduates receive an offer to a tertiary institution.

Quality assurance
Teachers at Queensland Government high schools
hold a minimum four-year undergraduate university
degree, and many have postgraduate qualifications.
Class sizes are important with 25 students per class
in senior high school and 30 students per class in
junior high school.
Supporting innovative learning
Queensland offers a range of services and facilities that
support innovative learning outcomes including:
computer laboratories linked to university libraries,
recording studios, photographic laboratories,
multimedia technology and video-conferencing
facilities
business education centres featuring state-of-the-art
technology.
Lifestyle
The state features a variety of vibrant and unique
lifestyle options including:
a multicultural society, modern, cosmopolitan cities
and unique country towns

There are strong pathways with universities and

TAFE colleges with opportunities to study university
subjects in high school and obtain credit towards
university studies.

stunning and diverse landscapes with national parks

and world heritage rainforests, reefs and beaches
a vibrant art and cultural scene with galleries,
museums, and local festivals

EQI has recently received a 98% overall student

satisfaction rating for our International Student
Programs (ISP).
Queenslands internationally recognised high school
qualifications combine theoretical and practical
learning to equip students for tertiary studies and
professional careers.

a large choice of local fresh produce and

international specialty foods.
Student services
Our education providers offer a range of services to
ensure that international students enjoy their education
experience, with support including:
free airport pick-up for all EQI students
pre-departure and school arrival orientations
24-hour multilingual emergency assistance is
available

8 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies

Education Queensland
International
High school
Junior high school for students from Year 7 to Year 10.
Senior high school for students from Year 11 to Year 12.

access to after-school English classes and exam

support with an English language specialist
a specialised international student support team for
each EQI school

https://eqi.com.au/programs/high-school.html

Queensland Government approved homestays that

provide a caring and safe family environment so our
students can concentrate on their studies
international student coordinators who provide
academic and pastoral guidance to international
students, assist with school subjects, work
experience and overall student life

https://eqi.com.au/programs/high-school-study-abroad.html

Regional study abroad

For high school students in Years 10 to 12 who want to
experience Australian life in a regional area.

homestay coordinators who organise placement

and ensure that students have an enjoyable
homestay experience

https://eqi.com.au/programs/regional-study-abroad.html

International Baccalaureate
A globally recognised diploma awarded by the
International Baccalaureate Organisation.

g
 uidance officers who provide specialist
cross-cultural communication, confidential
counselling and advice on academic pathways,
career options and personal wellbeing.

https://eqi.com.au/programs/international-baccalaureate.html

EQI provides the following programs and services

to more than 70 registered Queensland Government
schools across the state. Academic extension programs
are available in music, the sciences and mathematics
with excellence programs in aviation, golf, dance,
soccer, tennis, basketball and performing and fine arts
offered at specific schools.
Approximately 400 schools also offer short-term
study tours.
Courses
The range of programs include:
Primary school
For students from Prep to Year 6.

High school study abroad

Junior high school for students from Year 7 to Year 10
(Study Abroad Experience).
Senior high school for students from Year 11 to Year 12
(Study Abroad Experience).

Queensland academies
A bridge between high school and tertiary study, the
academies are designed to maximise the potential of
highly capable students and prepare them for university.
https://eqi.com.au/programs/queensland-academies.html

Study tours
An EQI group study tour can range from one day to four
weeks in duration.
https://eqi.com.au/programs/study-tours.html

Holiday adventure programs

A safe way for EQI students to turn school holidays into
exciting Aussie sightseeing adventures.
https://eqi.com.au/programs/adventure-programs.html

https://eqi.com.au/programs/primary-school.html

High school preparation

An intensive English program for students who want to
improve their English proficiency before commencing
EQI high school.
https://eqi.com.au/programs/high-school-preparation.html
Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies | 9

Independent schools
Independent schools have been providing high quality
educational services to students for more than 150
years. Around 190 independent schools educate
more than 116,000 students, representing 15% of
Queenslands school enrolments.

All independent schools must comply with government

regulations and standards. However, most are
established and operated independently of government
and can develop their own educational programs,
policies and procedures.

Independent schools offer parents a choice in the

education of their children. They enable families to
select schools that best serve their childs needs and
promote the values they believe are important.

International students

Parents in Australia and around the world choose

independent schools for:
high educational standards
moral and spiritual values
pastoral care and discipline
programs to meet the needs and interests of
individual students
strong home-school partnerships
a wide variety of extra and co-curricular activities.
What I like about SCOTS PGC College is that I get to
experience a lot of new things such as a new lifestyle,
school system and boarding life.
The people here are great and I can mix with them so
easily. The teachers here are very helpful. I like the fact
that they care about the student enough to stay back
after school to give extra classes to students who
need them.
This school is a great place to be because I am always
surrounded by good people and all of them are good
to me.
Daniel Siaw from Malaysia
The SCOTS PGC College
www.scotspgc.qld.edu.au

Studying at a Queensland independent school provides

students with a unique opportunity to further their
education while learning about Australian life and culture.
Queensland independent schools welcome international
students to study a range of individual and group
programs. Students can enrol in registered schools for
periods of longer than three months on a full time basis.
In 2013, more than 1,400 international students attended
76 Queensland independent schools. Many independent
schools also offer short-term study programs of less
than three months.
Long term studies (more than three months)
International students can apply for visas to study
in courses for longer than three months for primary,
secondary or junior, middle and senior schooling.
Some independent schools offer English Language
Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for
primary and secondary students to assist with learning
English before entering mainstream classes.
Queensland independent schools provide international
students with a safe environment and opportunities to
be educated in a way that encourages problem solving
and focused learning with an emphasis on learning how
to learn. Study abroad programs of six months and
12 months are also possible in schools registered to
enrol international students.
Short term studies (less than three months)
Study tours
Study tour programs usually involve a mix of
educational, cultural and tourist activities organised

10 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies

Independent schools
for groups of international students during their school
holiday vacations. In most cases, study tour programs
are hosted by a school and can accommodate students
in a homestay for the duration of their visit.
Holiday programs
Some schools host holiday programs for individual
students or small groups of students. In most cases,
individual or small group programs are negotiated
directly with the host school.

teach students how to become independent

learners in the Australian education system
provide a transition from ELICOS to mainstream
schooling for long term students
make careful homestay placements to provide
accommodation and general support for newly
arrived students.
Accommodation

School visits and excursions

Many schools are also happy to host short school visits
of a few days by international school groups as part of a
visiting schools international excursion program. Often
such visits form the basis for developing school-toschool relationships.
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas
Students (ELICOS)
International students have opportunities to study
ELICOS in Queensland independent schools for short
term and long term periods of time.
School-based ELICOS programs aim to:

Accommodation offered for students under 18 years

of age studying in a Queensland independent school
include either living with a parent, legal custodian or
approved relative, or one of the following options:
Homestay
If students are not able to live with a parent, legal
custodian or approved relative, many schools offer
homestay as an accommodation option to students
enrolled in short and long term programs. Homestay
carers are required to undergo a police suitability
check before offering homestay accommodation to
overseas students.
Boarding school
International families can also choose boarding as an
accommodation option for school age students. There
are a number of independent schools offering single
gender or co-educational boarding in regional and
metropolitan areas of Queensland.

provide an environment where students are mixing

with other students of the same age and not with
adult learners
operate in a structured school program, with
students required to wear school uniforms and
follow school routine and rules, as appropriate for
their age

Contact individual schools for details about

accommodation options for international students.

have teachers who are trained in ESL (English as a

Second Language) and are experienced primary or
high school teachers
have staff highly skilled in cross-cultural
communication and interaction

Enquiries
Enquiries should be made to individual independent
schools directly. School lists and further information for
international students about studying in Queensland
independent schools is available at:
www.isq.qld.edu.au/international-students

offer programs very closely linked to school curricula

teach students important research and high school
preparation skills
Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies | 11

Catholic schools
There are 296 Catholic schools throughout Queensland
educating about 18.5% of Queensland students. There
are 3,705 overseas students studying on a visa, of which
295 are full-fee paying overseas students.
Catholic schools in Queensland strive to provide a high
quality education, advancing the common good of
Australian society. In addition, Catholic schools believe in
the intrinsic value of each student based on a distinctive
educational vision inspired by the example of Jesus Christ.
Research shows that parents and students choose
Catholic schools for a number of reasons including:
the Christian values taught by Catholic schools
care for the well-being of students, teachers and staff
a commitment to the holistic development of
students - spiritually, intellectually, physically,
culturally, socially and emotionally
the pursuit of academic excellence
the teaching of self-discipline based on respect
for others
a vision of hope for the future
strong partnerships with parents, parish and community.
International students enrolled in a Catholic school can:
study in primary or secondary schools
learn English in a school setting
gain entry to university or further studies in Australia
or overseas if secondary school studies are
successfully completed
have an overseas education and cultural experience.
Students under 18 years of age studying in Queensland
can choose to live with a parent, legal custodian or
approved relative, live in homestay accommodation or
live in a boarding school.

Queensland Catholic schools are accredited by the NonState Schools Accreditation Board, a Statutory Authority
of the Queensland Government and are incorporated
non-profit organisations. Catholic schools implement
national and state curriculum documentation and fulfill all
government reporting and accountability requirements.
See qcec.catholic.edu.au/educational-services/
international-education for more information about
Catholic schools.
The time I spent in St James was an inspirational journey
for me. With many friendly and dedicated teaching staff
around, I adapted to the new environment quickly not
only in terms of overcoming the language barriers, but
also in the ways of acquiring a different culture. The great
diversity of St James and the generosity of every teacher
provided me with valuable assistance with my studies
and extra-curricular activities. I have been encouraged to
do my best, to dream big and to be a better person every
day. The experience of studying in St James is definitely
a priceless memory that I will always cherish.
Yihui from China
St James College
I was quite concerned about studying alone in
Australia when I first enrolled at St James College as
an international student. Fortunately, there were many
teachers who supported me with my studies and
activities. They were always there to support me and I
appreciated their kind and helpful support.
While at the college, I learned how to overcome my
language barrier and make friends from all over the
world. I graduated in the top 2% of my class in 2009.
My experience at St James College has been a stepping
stone to my current course at the University
of Queensland.
Seung Gi Joo from Korea
St James College
www.stjamescollege.qld.edu.au

12 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies

Queenslands school structure

Secondary School

Queensland has three schooling sectors:

State Schools Division of the Department of
Education, Training and Employment (DETE)
www.education.qld.gov.au/directory/schools/

Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ)

www.isq.qld.edu.au

Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QEC)

www.qcec.catholic.edu.au

The school year begins in late January and ends in

mid-December. It is divided into two semesters, each
containing two terms. The vacation periods are at
the end of Term 1, Semester 1 Easter (March/April);
the end of Term 2, Semester 1 Winter (June/July);
the end of Term 1, Semester 2 Spring (September/
October); and the end of Term 2, Semester 2 Summer
(December/January).
There are 13 years of schooling in Queensland, starting
with a preparatory or Prep Year, followed by six years of
primary and six years of secondary school.
For further information about Prep to Year 10 visit:
www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/26788.html

Learning options include:

school (Authority and Authority-registered) subjects
vocational education and training qualifications
university subjects
recognised subjects and courses
learning projects.
Senior Education Profile (SEP)
At the end of Year 12, students receive a Senior
Education Profile (SEP), which may include a:
Senior Statement
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Tertiary Entrance Statement which records Overall
Position (OP) and Field Positions (FP).

For further information about Years 11 & 12 visit:

www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/26789.html

For further information about the SEP visit:

www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/10092.html

Prep Year
The Prep Year is a one-year (full-time) program available
to children in the year before the start of primary school.
Students are encouraged to engage all five senses to
form a solid foundation in social, motor, literacy and
numeracy skills.
Primary School

Secondary, senior or high school is the final period of

compulsory education for Queensland students and is
delivered from Year 7 to 12. Students can choose from
a wide range of learning options in Years 11 and 12 to
help them when they leave school, whether they want to
go to university, TAFE or another further education and
training provider, or get a job.

The OP is the Queensland tertiary selection rank and

can be converted into an Australian Tertiary Admissions
Rank (ATAR) and be used to apply to universities, both
interstate and overseas.
For further information about the Tertiary Entrance
Statement, OP and FPs visit:
www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/17761.html

Primary school is compulsory education delivered

from Year 1 to 6 and students are taught a range
of foundational skills and knowledge based on a
combination of the Australian Curriculum and the
Queensland Curriculum.
Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies | 13

Queenslands school structure

School-based assessment
Students studying in Queensland are taught and
assessed by teachers within a system of school-based
assessment. Students are assessed using a variety of
techniques, including presentations and assignments as
well as supervised exams. Rigorous external moderation
ensures that students are treated fairly, and that the
achievement standards are comparable across all
schools for all students.
For further information about school-based assessment
visit: www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/approach/
school-based_assess_qld_sys.pdf and watch video:
www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/14395.html
Further information is available on the state,
independent or Catholic school systems from
these websites:

My name is Kotomi from Tokyo, Japan. I have been

studying at Bribie Island State High School for over a year.
I think Bribie Island State High School offers great
subject choices. My favourite subject is Indonesian as I
am interested in languages and I have a strong interest
in other cultures.
I also want to find out more about other countries and I
think learning another countrys language will enable me
to understand their culture better.
My school has a lot of international students from
Europe. This provides me with a great opportunity to
learn a lot about where they have come from and their
different backgrounds. I have enjoyed my time here as I
got all the support and help from the international staff.
Kotomi from Japan
Bribie Island State High School
https://eqi.com.au/apps/school/bribie-island-shs.html

See www.studyqueensland.gov.au to search for a

school in Queensland.
See www.qld.gov.au/education/schools for more
information about schooling in Queensland.

See Education Queensland International

www.eqi.com.au for more information about
Queensland state schools.

See www.isq.qld.edu.au/international-students for more

information about independent schools.

Since coming to Queensland, I have discovered some

of my potential skills. All in all, I became much more
independent and mature. Of course, I would not be in
this position without my teachers help. At John Paul
College, the staff are very caring to every student and
peers are very friendly and unified.
John Paul College thoughtfully offers students a special
English program before we enter the main school. After
coming to John Paul College, I greatly expanded my
knowledge and experienced an innovative approach
to learning.
Vennice from China
John Paul College
www.johnpaulcollege.com.au

See www.qcec.catholic.edu.au/educational-services/
international-education/ for more information about
Catholic schools.

14 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies

Want to know more?

By working across government and in partnership with
industry, IETU is well positioned to provide high level
coordination and support.

The Queensland Government is committed to working

in partnership with international education and training
providers and institutions to build a sustainable and
quality education and training industry today and for
future students.

Education and training remains at the forefront of

Queenslands international engagement. IETU will
continue to seek and sustain international partnerships
with overseas governments, industry, institutions and
providers that focus on reciprocal academic and
cultural exchange.

International Education and Training Unit (IETU) is a

unique unit established by the Queensland Government
in 2001 to develop the future partnerships for
international students.
Now based in Trade & Investment Queensland (the
governments global business agency), IETU focuses on
enhancing the experience international students have
before, during and after their study in Queensland.

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See

studyqueensland.qld.edu.au
CMYK / .eps

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CMYK / .eps

facebook.com/TradeandInvestmentQld

www.studyqueensland.qld.edu.au for all the QUEENSLAND study information and help you need.

Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia for your primary or secondary school studies | 15

Make
the
right
decision
Queensland AUSTRALIA

TIQ-253-14

Providing you with a world class education

and amazing experiences